Even a $99.99 remote-controlled hobby plane at Brookstone could be redirected from its intended path, says Franz Franchetti, a Carnegie Mellon University engineering professor.

“Theoretically, people can do these kinds of things,” says Franchetti, who is part of the nation’s effort to stop cyberattacks. He heads a team that received a $6 million government grant to find a way to make sure that control remains with the owner. Team members’ task is to develop ultra-secure software and sensors to protect computer systems on unmanned ground vehicles and high-end consumer autos from cyberattack. The grant is from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.